ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) -- Los Angeles Clipper owner Donald Sterling has just said "No" to paying the NBA a $2.5 million fine for racist comments he made regarding African-Americans that were recorded by an assistant.

An attorney representing Sterling has sent a letter to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver informing him of his client's decision.

Furthermore, Sterling is also considering a lawsuit against the NBA, according to the letter.

Silver issued a lifetime ban and a $2.5 million fine against Sterling last month and requested that the 29 other NBA owners force the Clippers owner to sell the team.

Both Sterling and his estranged wife, Shelly Sterling, have indicated that they will wage a legal battle to retain ownership of the Clippers.